Delimitation

Subject: Polity

Context:

Recently DMK member Kanimozhi NVN Somu while speaking during the discussion on the supplementary demand for grants for 2022-23 said that delimitation of Lok Sabha seats and devolution of funds to states on the basis of population is unfair to southern states, which have implemented family planning programmes better than the states in North India

What is Delimitation:

Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies to represent changes in population and is done on the basis of the preceding Census.
This exercise is carried out by a Delimitation Commission, whose orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned before any court.
Constitutional provisions:
- Article 82: This provides the Parliament with the authority to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census.
- Article 170: This provides for the States to get divided into territorial constituencies as per the Delimitation Act after every Census.
The Union government sets up a Delimitation Commission once the Act is in force.

What is Delimitation Commission:

It is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
Its members are a serving or retired Supreme Court judge, Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by CEC and Election Commissioners of the respective state.
Its function is to determine the number and boundaries of constituencies, to identify seats reserved for SC/ST.
It is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court.
Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times — 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.